foundering Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun (of a ship) sinking
   going under.
   
2. verb fail utterly; collapse
   founder; flop; fall through; fall flat.
   
   • The project foundered
3. verb sink below the surface
   founder.
   
4. verb break down, literally or metaphorically
   collapse; founder; give; give way; break; cave in; fall in.
   
   • The wall collapsed
   • The business collapsed
   • The dam broke
   • The roof collapsed
   • The wall gave in
   • The roof finally gave under the weight of the ice
5. verb stumble and nearly fall
   founder.
   
   • the horses foundered

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